What could possibly go wrong when you’re spraying water that’s up to 4,000 pounds per square inch of pressure at an object or surface to clean it? If you’re not careful, plenty. That’s why, whether you’re a professional or DIYer, following proper safety precautions is essential when using a pressure...

The landscaping industry is booming. Whether you’re just starting a landscaping business or you’re looking to keep your edge (pun intended), having the right equipment for the job is a must. Even ardent DIYers with large homes or steep hills will have better luck creating the lawn of their dreams...

Every experienced electrician has a set of tools that he or she considers essential. Of course, depending on the work, the tools may vary. Electricians also need personal protective equipment, and energized work requires properly rated insulated tools. That said, these are the literal tools of the...

Check equipment before installation and at least daily when in use. When your crew is working in trenches 5, 10 or 20 feet below ground, you want to know the shoring and shielding equipment you’ve installed to protect them is doing its job. Pre-use inspection The first step is to ensure the...

Ride-on or walk-behind, a trencher is the machine you need for digging a basic utility trench. But you can dig yourself into some downtime if you don’t maintain the machine. Because trenchers rely on hydrostatics or hydraulics to produce torque, make sure you follow the necessary safety procedures...

Daily checks take a matter of minutes and can prevent huge headaches. Dozers are built tough, like the terrain they’re designed to handle. But they still need attention now and then. Regular preventive maintenance helps you avoid costly downtime and expensive repairs. Follow the service intervals...

Heat stress isn’t just for workers. Summer heat is physically stressful not just for construction workers but for equipment, too. Scorching temperatures, coupled with longer work days, increase the wear and tear on critical parts. Just as it’s essential to keep employees hydrated and enforce breaks...

A well-maintained machine works longer and uses less fuel. To keep wheel loaders moving huge loads of dirt and rock year round, perform daily and scheduled maintenance. Always follow the guidance outlined in the operator’s manual. Before beginning your daily checks, shut down the loader and engage...

Daily inspections can help you avoid accidents and downtime The last thing you want while driving a multi-ton forklift with a heavy load is to skid, bounce, lose your brakes or have the clutch malfunction. Regular maintenance helps prevent these problems. Before beginning your daily inspection, read...

These highly versatile machines provide surprising power and maximum maneuverability. Excavators , which can weigh 30,000 or 40,000 pounds or more, are the behemoths of construction sites and deliver maximum digging power. But their smaller siblings, mini excavators , make up for in versatility what...